TEIGNBRIDGE Council, which has spent £4.7million on carbon reduction in order to save just £47,000, has been told that climate change is about more than just pounds and pence.

Members of the council’s overview and scrutiny committee were challenged to explain their drive to cut carbon by a member of the public who asked: “Have you considered the possibility that net zero targets are a massive scam?”

The meeting heard that major de-carbonisation projects in the district included work at Forde House, Newton Abbot Leisure Centre, Broadmeadow and the Teignmouth Lido.

Replacing vans with electric vehicles had saved enough diesel to propel a vehicle 17 times around the world.

Cllr Jackie Hook (Lib Dem, Bushell), the council’s executive member for environment, said: “Evidence shows that human-induced climate change is a fact.

“People should consider that maybe they have fallen prey to a scam.

“It may be the global and corporate elites who want you to believe that climate change is a scam so they can continue to promote fossil fuels and maintain their billionaire lifestyles.”

Cllr Phil Bullivant (Con, Bradley) pointed out the £47,000 cash saving which had come at a cost of £4.7million.

“That’s a one per cent return,” he said.

“Is that good value? That is the fundamental question we are being asked.

“We are the custodians of the funds taxation gives us, and we need to ensure that we are delivering the best value. Where do we want to get to? What is the target we are striving for?”

In response to the public question, Cllr Bullivant said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change makes clear that human activities, principally through emissions of greenhouse gases, have unequivocally caused global warming.

The latest data published by the Met Office show that four of the last five years have been the warmest on record in the UK.

His answer went on: “We recognise that our changing climate will have profound implications for our communities and the natural environment here in Teignbridge, including increased flood risk, drought and temperature extremes, among others.

“We therefore remain committed to working with our communities and partners across the South West, many of whom have declared climate emergencies themselves, to prevent further global warming and to increase local resilience responding to the challenges posed by our changing climate.”

Cllr Dave Rollason (Lib Dem, Kingsteignton West) told the meeting: “We are trying to stop this planet heading for total disaster.

“This is one tiny planet in a vast ocean of blackness. Nobody is coming to save us.

“Decarbonisation is essential. It’s a crisis. It’s an emergency.

“This is one tiny planet in a vast ocean of blackness. Nobody is coming to save us.”